Métis flag. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Harvesting Rights

Métis Nation reinstating group to help get harvesting rights recognized across province

Mar 8, 2023 | 5:00 PM

The Métis Nation of Saskatchewan (MN-S) is reinstating a group aimed at ensuring that their peoples’ harvesting rights are recognized across Saskatchewan.

Currently, Métis people can receive fines for hunting, trapping, or fishing without a license unless they do so in the northern part of the province. According to the Saskatchewan Treaty and Aboriginal Rights for Hunting and Fishing Guide, the province doesn’t recognize the Métis’ right to hunt, fish, and trap for food in all other areas.

In hopes of changing that, the MN-S is bringing back the Citizens’ Harvesting Advisory group. The hope is the group will help provide meaningful insight and direction as the MN-S works to get harvesting rights recognized across the entire province.

“We remain dedicated to reaching an agreement that supports the ability of our citizens to provide sustenance for their families,” said Michelle LeClair, MN-S Vice President and Minister of Justice. “We want to engage more of our citizens in the process to ensure we are laying a good foundation for the future.”

The MN-S said they’ve been engaged in conversations with the province since 2010.

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Before the group dissolved, they helped extend the memorandum of understanding (MOU), originally signed back in 2010, between the MN-S and the province in 2019 which aimed to fix any concerns over harvesting rights. It’s not clear what happened with talks afterward.

Corey Linfitt, the president of a harvesting council formed by several people in the Prince Albert and Batoche areas, is confused about why the group originally dissolved, though he is happy to see the MN-S step up in some way for their people.

Members of the Harvesting Council. (Submitted Photo/Dave Rondeau)

He added the group still plans on meeting to discuss ways to advocate for their rights.

“We’re not going to stop,” said Linfitt.

For them, they won’t be satisfied until something is done.

In hopes of helping even more, Linfitt mentioned that the group would love to work with the MN-S’ group with hopes of having at least one of their members sit on their panel. He believes this would help get the concerns and issues many Métis people have properly heard.

“We don’t want them to just say ‘hey, you guys can go out hunting, fishing, harvesting.’ We want it that it’s regulated so that it’s sustainable for future generations.”

The MN-S will soon be accepting applications from members interested in being a part of their group. Also, they plan on continuing public engagement to ensure any potential changes are supported by their people.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow